Magha Puja 2026: Pin Your Location for Tree Circumambulation Near You—Complete List of Temples Nationwide
A comprehensive list of tree circumambulation locations across Thailand on Magha Puja 2026. This practice replaces incense and candle offerings with meditative walking around large trees, enhancing auspiciousness while protecting the environment. Check the temple list here for details and locations nearby.
A rising trend in merit-making: here is the guide to temples and meditation centers nationwide participating in the "Tree Circumambulation" project on Magha Puja 2026. This shifts from using incense and candles to meditative walking around large trees to reduce pollution and foster spiritual calm. Check which temples are in your province.
Unveiling the origin of the "Tree Circumambulation" practice—who initiated it?
The practice of circumambulating trees in Thailand was inspired by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, who emphasized simplicity at Suan Mokkhaphalaram. It was elevated to a national campaign in 2018 by the "Plant Trees, Cultivate Dhamma" project, led by meditation master Phra Paisal Visalo. The campaign encourages temples across Thailand to become green spaces and invites Buddhists to make merit without harming the environment.
Magha Puja was chosen as the significant starting point because it commemorates the Buddha’s delivery of the "Ovada Patimokkha" in the bamboo grove (Veluvana Monastery), the first Buddhist monastery set in nature. Tree circumambulation thus recalls the spiritual atmosphere of enlightenment in the Buddha’s time.
List of temples nationwide participating in "Tree Circumambulation" activities.
According to the "Plant Trees, Cultivate Dhamma" project, here are the locations where Buddhists can join the tree circumambulation events:
Bangkok Metropolitan Area and Surrounding Provinces
- Bangkok: Wat Thong Bon (Yan Nawa), Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan (Pom Prap Sattru Phai), Wat Chak Daeng (Phra Pradaeng), Sathien Thammathat Meditation Center (Sai Mai)
- Pathum Thani: Wat Panyanantaram (Khlong 6)
- Nakhon Pathom: Wat Yannavesakawan (Sam Phran)
- Samut Prakan: Wat Srirattanathamaram
- Saraburi: Wat Phra Phuttha Saeng Tham, Wat Mongkhon Chai Phatthana
- Suphanburi: Wat Pa Lelai Worawihan, Wat Khao Tham Suea
- Uthai Thani: Wat Chantharam (Wat Tha Sung) - some zones for activities
- Phetchabun: Wat Phra That Pha Son Kaew (Khao Kho)
Northeastern Region (Isan)
- Nakhon Ratchasima: Wat Pa Phu Phasung (Sung Noen District), Wat Pa Salawan, Wat Pa Sapthawee Thammararam (Wang Nam Khiao)
- Chaiyaphum: Wat Pa Mahawan (Phu Long), Wat Pa Sukato
- Khon Kaen: Wat Pa Aphaiwan, Wat Pa Dhamma Uthayan
- Udon Thani: Wat Pa Ban Tat, Wat Pa Na Kam Noi
- Sakon Nakhon: Wat Pa Sutthawas, Wat Pa Udom Somphon
- Loei: Wat Pa Nermit Vipassana
- Bueng Kan: Wat Pa Dan Wivek (So Phisai District)
- Chiang Mai: Wat Umong (Buddha Dharma Park), Wat Ram Poeng (Tapotaram), Wat Pa Dara Phirom
- Chiang Rai: Rai Chuen Tawan (Venerable Wachiramethi’s center)
- Lamphun: Wat Phra Buddha Bat Huai Tom
- Mae Hong Son: Wat Pa Tham Wua
- Nan: Wat Phra That Chae Haeng (some zones for activities)
- Surat Thani: Suan Mokkhaphalaram (Wat Than Nam Lai - Chaiya District), the model site for tree circumambulation
- Nakhon Si Thammarat: Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan (some zones around the Bodhi tree), Wat Pa Mai Mongkhon
- Songkhla: Wat Pa Sattha Thammavithaya
- Phang Nga: Wat PaBuddhadhamma Vipassana
Preparation steps for "Tree Circumambulation"
- Wear modest clothing in white or light colors made of breathable fabric, as most activities take place outdoors in natural settings.
- Refrain from using mobile phones during the circumambulation to fully cultivate mindfulness and concentration.
- Do not bring lit incense or candles near the trees to prevent fire hazards and protect the environment. Some temples may use LED lights as a substitute.
Tree circumambulation is not only an environmental act but a return to the "essence" of Buddhism, recalling the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing under the shade of trees.
